October 17, 2008 14:21

London Astoria demolition plans finalised

Venue has been subjected to a compulsory purchase by the government today (Oct 17)

London Astoria was purchased compulsorily by the government today (October 17), ahead of its demolition to make way for a new train station.

The venue, which was opened as a cinema in 1927, is one of 13 buildings around Tottenham Court Road tube station that has been the subject of the compulsory purchase.

Rail minister Lord Adonis told BBC News the move was a "major step forward" for the Â£16 billion Crossrail project.

The demolition is part of a scheme to create an east-west rail route across London, the biggest transport project in the UK since the construction of the Channel Tunnel.

Former London Mayor Ken Livingstone had said earlier this year that there was to be another venue built in the place of the Astoria, but there have since been no further announcements.

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